Rotary Club
of East Hartford
 High Gear

Volume 2| Issue 16, October 18, 2017

  

Today was magnificent. The balmy weather has invaded the northeast again and Rotarians were feeling good as the weekly assemblage shared stories and laughs while waiting for the formal part of the meeting. President Dave gave me the agenda for the meeting and frankly I was caught dumbfounded. Was he saying this is how it’s done, or please take over I’m leaving early or was he simply proud that he spent hours prepping for today? I took it and went about my weekly gathering of factoids for this writing.

Jim Fallon was here and he told me his wife is doing much better. A long road to recovery but still progress is being made. Bill Saunders was filling in for the Empress as apparently she was under the weather. Happy Jack made a brief appearance to confirm her absence and left promptly to take care of his ailing partner. Dan Larsen filled in for Jack as he sang a John Denver song of “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy”. Such a sweet man while he collected feeble amounts from an unusually tight crowd today.
A Touch of Salt With Your Pasta?

Bob Buettner approached me in his official capacity of Sergeant of Arms. He muscled me for a dollar as he “claimed” I insulted his poor penmanship two weeks ago for his collections of fines and notices. We agreed to share my e-mail and he’ll type it out. Perfect! Ruth Sheehan was complimentary of the Yankees success so far. I hope to hear the same remarks from her in the next two weeks. Dan Russell gave me a sly smile and upon my question did he want to be quoted in “The Weekly Gear” he simply stated he felt good as he was on the right side of the grass. I’m OK with that.

I approached the front table that consisted of old and new members and Art Bradbury assumed I was the Sergeant of Arms and asked for my arm band. I tell ya, these new members need more coaching. Bob Wood did share with me the history of the informal coffee club. I look forward to dropping in some day and checking this chat room out.

It seemed like a longer than normal chat time before the gong so this writer was happy. But, all good things come to an end and Prez Dave rang the bell. We spun in unison, sang with perfect pitch but not as enthusiastic as I’ve heard. We honored our country and flag with the pledge and Jack Sayre gave the invocation. Service above self. Can’t say it enough or live it better. Thanks Jack.

Then off we went, 27 Rotarians, as we anticipated a buffet of wonder. This impression stayed with me as I remembered the “Lunch Committee” had met last week with our food vendor. I will admit I’m a bit fussy at times so compliments come hard. The pasta was cooked al dente and the meatballs were good too. The salad was brimming with all sorts of condiments too. And there it was—bread to dip our sauce in. Nice job committee.

There was one very funny anecdote though. Poor Dan Larsen saw the “grated cheese” container at the end of the buffet line and in typical fashion he poured a heavy amount on his lunch. But, to his amazement, and I saw it happen, a generous deluge of salt came out and ruined his masterpiece. To his credit, he tried to scrape it off, but to no avail. He had to lock and load another plateful. Perhaps the salt should come in a smaller more recognizable container? Lunch was good as scattered laughter emanated throughout the room.

Again the gong sounded and we perused the front of our shirts to ascertain the damage done by leaking red sauce. No noticeable errors while eating so your laundry person will be happy. It was determined that Vince Crawford is still a guest so the Welcome Song was summoned. Art and George Schoen took to their feet and shook hands and commanded the room. Much more enthusiasm for this 2nd song so good for us.

 
Marathon Station a Well Oiled Machine

Announcements came fast and furious today.

1.      Neil Cunningham thanked the many volunteers, Rotarians and spouses, for their help on Saturday at the Hartford Marathon. As a participant this year I can testify this is a well-oiled machine of prep work and execution throughout the endeavor. A great day and many thanks rendered to us from the runners. See picture of the water squad.

2.      Bob Wood’s book club meeting is scheduled for 7 PM on October 25th at his home. Please call 860-430-2161 to confirm your attendance. If you haven’t read it, so what. Show up for the free drinks and a soft chair.

3.      Food Committee representative Wes Willett gave an update on a productive meeting last week. It should get better (DUH!) and today was a good start. Remember, any complaints/comments, see Wes or Jack Sayre.

4.      Gerry Brady passed on October 10th. A long time Rotarian that I unfortunately never got to meet. Rest in Peace friend.

5.      Bob Buettner is asking for participants for the upcoming Game Night on November 3rd at the Ridge. Please sign up and pay the $5 for pizza and bring an appetizer to share.

6.      District 7890 Foundation Dinner on November 2. E-mail sent to all for sign up.

7.      Habitat for Humanity “hands on project” is 11/4. Need Rotarians to sign up.

8.      Reminder from Jim Watts—Paul Harris nominations are due.

9.      The following provided Sargent at Arms Buettner with donations for the cause. They are:

Ruth Sheehan   Glad to be here

Wes Willett Daughter’s wedding
Kevin Kickery     for disparaging remarks about Sergeant at Arms.
Bob Buettner.  For penmanship lessons
George Schoen. No pin Faulty memory
Kevin Aron Judge has returned
Jim Fallon leaving early
Hope Firestone Leaving early
Neal Cunningham no pin
Nick Cecere late arrival leaving early
Steve Jacoby Late arrival & Yankees won

The raffle was next and it is amazing to me that no one can remember who won the prior week. Ceil Collins took home the booty.

Cleveland Browns Fanatic in Our Midst

Dan Firestone, lacking our originally scheduled speaker, took the podium to give us a preview of upcoming speakers. Mayor Marcia has been rescheduled from today to our meeting on December 6th. Other notables that I was able to catch are:

1.      10/25—Christina Lessard

2.      11/1—recap of fireside chats

3.      11/8—Attorney Frank Leone—discussion of business dispute resolution

4.      11/15—A representative from the CT Alliance to End Sexual Violence

5.      11/22—Reverend Terry Schmidt

Lacking a formal speaker, we were given the pleasure of having one of our members, and probably newest, speak to us about who they are, where they came from and how their life has been shaped by family, friends and duty to their community. Laura Floyd, the Executive Director of the East Hartford YMCA, shared with us a picture of herself that was well portrayed to the group. Being new in town (January 2017) and being the 8th of 10 children brought up in Cleveland, she shared family experiences and work milestones that shaped her to the person she is today. She is a self-professed workaholic, Catholic, mom to four children 20 to 30, grandmother to two and unfortunately a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan. The joy she gets from her family and what she does in the community was very evident in her presentation. Thanks for sharing Laura and we look forward to working with you.

So another week has passed and I told my boss I would do something besides Rotary today. So good bye till next week and hopefully the Yanks are still playing.

 

Kevin Kickery

 
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